Month: Oct 2020

At last, a pen roll that works for me: the Rickshaw Hand Roll

/ onotopens / 8 Comments

I’ve never found pen rolls to be very practical. Beyond the allure of traditional materials and a certain ‘laying out the tools’ ritualism, they just seem to have too many compromises. Most annoying for me is the simple thong that keeps a pen roll shut. All that wrapping and tucking takes precious seconds, and I’m … Continue reading At last, a pen roll that works for me: the Rickshaw Hand Roll

Can Kaweco’s Perkeo turn me into a calligrapher?

/ onotopens / 4 Comments

When I tell people that my hobby is fountain pens, invariably they’ll say “oh, like calligraphy?” Sometimes I’ll say yes because it’s easier than explaining, but the real answer is “no, not calligraphy”. My handwriting is terrible and I certainly can’t create wonders with flex and italic and needlepoint. My writing could never be described … Continue reading Can Kaweco’s Perkeo turn me into a calligrapher?

Behind the pen: Mark Braun, designer of the Otto Hutt designC

/ onotopens / 8 Comments

Reviewing a pen is one thing: you look at the object and evaluate it in the cold light of day. You might speculate about the decisions that led to this pen being exactly this way. But interviewing the person who designed it? That's a special treat, a unique insight into the months of creativity, refinement … Continue reading Behind the pen: Mark Braun, designer of the Otto Hutt designC